Enemies, a Love Story

Enemies, a Love Story

Year: 1989

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: English

DramaComedyRomance

After the war finally ends, a ghostwriter finds his domestic life just as turbulent as the world around him. He juggles affection for his present wife, a passionate affair with a married woman, and the lingering memory of his first wife who disappeared years earlier, leaving him to question whether true peace can ever be achieved.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Enemies, a Love Story yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Enemies, a Love Story (1989)

Trace every key event in Enemies, a Love Story (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

War-time rescue and emigration

Yadwiga hides Herman in a hayloft during the war, saving his life. After the war ends, he emigrates to the United States with Yadwiga, presenting her as his wife. In New York, he secretly works as a ghost writer for Rabbi Lembeck and begins an affair with Masha.

WWII era Europe (war-time hayloft)
2

Herman's double life begins

Herman tells Yadwiga that he is a traveling book salesman, masking his real job as a ghost writer for Rabbi Lembeck. He maintains the illusion of a simple marriage while juggling his affair with Masha. The tension between truth and deception deepens as his other life remains hidden.

Late 1940s New York
3

Tamara returns and learns the truth

Tamara, whom Herman believed dead, arrives in New York to reconnect. He confesses that he is married to Yadwiga and has an ongoing affair with Masha. Tamara's return unsettles his arrangements but also complicates loyalties.

Late 1940s New York
4

Tamara accepts and befriends

Tamara agrees not to pursue a claim as Herman's wife and instead befriends him. Her presence adds a new dynamic to the household and softens the conflict between wives. The trio navigates affection, obligation, and secrecy in their daily lives.

Late 1940s New York
5

Pregnancies announced

Masha announces that she is pregnant, seeking security through Herman's partnership. Soon after, Yadwiga also proclaims her pregnancy, increasing the sense of impending obligation and control. The news heightens the stakes and deepens the emotional complexity.

Late 1940s New York
6

Divorce and triple wedding

Masha secures a divorce from Leon, who warns her about Herman's manipulations. She swears that Leon is lying, and the couple arranges for a Rabbi to perform the ceremony without questions. Thus Herman effectively has three wives.

Late 1940s New York
7

Masha's health scare and truth

Masha experiences internal bleeding and a physician reveals she was never pregnant. The supposed pregnancy collapses, exposing the fragility of the lives Herman has built on deceit. This event intensifies mistrust and unsettles the other wives.

Late 1940s New York
8

Lembeck's party and exposure

Rabbi Lembeck hosts a party where Herman's polygamy is publicly revealed. Nathan Pescheles, a wealthy observer, recognizes all three wives and informs the crowd. The exposure deepens Masha's sense of betrayal and triggers a crisis in the marriage network.

Party time (time not specified) New York
9

Masha leaves Herman

Angered and betrayed, Masha leaves Herman. The rift pushes Herman toward a more pronounced religious path to support his remaining family. The departure marks a turning point in the domestic arrangement.

Shortly after the party New York
10

Religious shift and job support

Herman deepens his religiosity to help Yadwiga convert to Judaism. Tamara arranges him a job with a rabbi, reinforcing an emphasis on faith as the anchor for the household. The family begins to hinge on spiritual commitments rather than romantic entanglements.

Weeks after the party New York
11

Masha's plea to elope and the mother's death

A few weeks later, Masha calls Herman hoping to bolt to Florida or California with her. He admits the pull but promises to support their unborn child, then leaves Yadwiga for good. Masha's mother dies, forcing a difficult choice about burial and loyalty.

A few weeks later New York
12

Suicide pact and tragedy

Masha urges Herman to commit suicide with her, but they realize they have not told the truth to one another. He leaves before the act, and Masha takes a lethal overdose of sleeping pills. The tragedy underscores the cost of deceit that underpins their relationship.

After the call New York
13

Funeral, support, and a new family

Rabbi Lembeck pays for Masha's and her mother's funerals and covers Yadwiga's hospital costs. Tamara and Yadwiga raise the child named Masha together, with letters arriving over time to help care for her. The story closes with the three women sharing responsibility for Herman's legacy.

After Masha's death New York

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:30

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Enemies, a Love Story

Don't stop at just watching — explore Enemies, a Love Story in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Enemies, a Love Story is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Enemies, a Love Story Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Enemies, a Love Story, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Enemies, a Love Story Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Enemies, a Love Story

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Enemies, a Love Story. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Enemies, a Love Story

More About Enemies, a Love Story

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Enemies, a Love Story: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Enemies, a Love Story

Similar Movies to Enemies, a Love Story

Discover movies like Enemies, a Love Story that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.